- Payday loans in Manhattan follow Kansas law (Kansas Consumer Credit Code, K.S.A. 16a-2-404).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45 (15% fee).
- 1 credit union is headquartered in Manhattan; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Manhattan at a glance
| Manhattan | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 54,700 |
| Change since 2020 | +1% (growing) |
| Counties | Pottawatomie County and Riley County |
| Size rank among 367 Kansas places we cover | 9th |
| Share of Kansas’s population | 1.8% |
| Nearest larger city | Topeka (about 50 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 13 (about 36,288 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in Manhattan follows Kansas state law. Lenders that serve Manhattan, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner.
Credit unions in Manhattan
These credit unions have their main office in Manhattan, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Kansas State University Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
Only federal credit unions can offer payday alternative loans (PALs), capped at 28% APR; state-chartered credit unions often have their own small-loan products. Membership rules apply, and only main offices are listed here; find branches near you with the NCUA Credit Union Locator. See how PALs work.
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Payday loan rules that apply in Manhattan
The main Kansas rules for a payday loan in Manhattan: maximum loan: $500; maximum fee: 15% of the amount advanced; loan term: 7 to 30 days. See the full Kansas payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Manhattan
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Kansas at 391% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $45 (15% fee). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Pottawatomie County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Pottawatomie County.
- Ask a federal credit union about a PAL: $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR (how PALs work).
- Check your bank app for a small-dollar loan or early pay (bank options).
- Try a cash advance app if you have direct deposit (apps compared).
Towns near Manhattan
The nearest larger city is Topeka, about 50 miles away. See all 367 Kansas cities.
Need cash before payday?Send one free request to our lender network. We are not a lender; offers and rates come from lenders.
Request a loanFrequently asked questions
Are payday loans legal in Manhattan?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Manhattan under Kansas state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner.
How much does a payday loan cost in Manhattan?
At Kansas’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Manhattan?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Manhattan, including Kansas State University Federal Credit Union. Federal credit unions can offer payday alternative loans capped at 28% APR.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — City and town population totals, Vintage 2024
- U.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Gazetteer files (place locations)
- NCUA — Credit union call report data, June 2026 (FOICU)
- K.S.A. 16a-2-404
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary